30 Criminal Cases Initiated in Connection with Ceasefire Violations

The Armenian Investigative Committee has initiated 30 criminal cases regarding the violation of the ceasefire regime by the Azerbaijani armed forces, which grossly breached the requirements of the Geneva Conventions and norms of international humanitarian law, and opened fire on peaceful civilians using heavy artillery, mortars, and other armaments.

This information was reported by the Investigative Committee. From July 12 to July 16, 2020, the Azerbaijani armed forces fired approximately 150 shots using various calibers of weapons, including tanks, 6 strike unmanned aerial vehicles, 82mm and 120mm mortars, D30 artillery, and other artillery equipment targeted at different settlements in the Tavush region and Armenian combat positions.

The shots fired and the damages incurred have led to the initiation and investigation of 30 criminal cases under Articles 34-104 (part 2, points 6 and 13) and 185 (part 2, points 1 and 4) of the Armenian Criminal Code, characterized by motives of national hatred, in a manner endangering the lives of many, unlawfully and intentionally causing the death of two or more persons, and deliberately destroying property.

According to preliminary information, as a result of the attacks and shootings on Armenian combat positions, 36 servicemen sustained injuries, 4 were killed, and 6 vehicles were damaged. The gunfire directed at various settlements in the Tavush region resulted in damage to 24 homes, one brandy factory, one winery, one kindergarten, a cemetery, 4 vehicles, one water line, one gas pipeline, one greenhouse, and a police guard post where 2 police officers were injured. Additionally, one civilian sustained injuries.

All necessary investigative and procedural actions are being carried out in full measure regarding the criminal cases.